District of Columbia residents have access to a host of unique resources and assistance in their state. Certain libraries are designated as Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRC), which provide resources and trained staff to help customers use and understand USPTO information and filing systems. Additionally, our USPTO headquarters provides additional support and resources for customers in the Eastern region of the United States.
We suggest calling ahead of your visit for hours of operation, services, and fees.
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Patent Pro Bono Program
District of Columbia inventors are served by the Federal Circuit Bar Association National Clearinghouse, part of the USPTO's nationwide pro bono program that matches inventors who qualify (based on income) with volunteer attorneys and patent professionals that will help you file your patent application.
Law school clinics
District of Columbia inventors and entrepreneurs can obtain free legal help for both patent and trademark matter by contacting:
- American University, Washington College of Law (patents and trademarks): ipclinic@wcl.american.edu
- Howard University (patents): howardpatentipclinic@gmail.com or (trademarks): clinics.husl@gmail.com
- The George Washington University (trademarks): sbced_uspto_intake@law.gwu.edu
- University of Maryland School of Law (patent and trademarks): miplrc@law.umaryland.edu
- University of Richmond School of Law (trademarks): ipclinic@richmond.edu
In addition to the law school clinics listed above, there are 19 law school clinics that provide free patent and trademark services to all residents of the United States regardless of location.
Network with inventor and entrepreneur organizations in your area
Inventor clubs and organizations can be a great way to connect with local inventors and entrepreneurs and open more doors to resources and opportunities. Below are a list of organizations in District of Columbia. If you represent an inventor group or nonprofit and would like to have your organization listed here, please email northeast@uspto.gov.
Inventors Network of the Capital Area
Washington, DC
Attend an eventFind a registered patent attorney
Do you have suggestions for resources to include on this page? Please contact northeast@uspto.gov.